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This week, the General Assembly returns to the Capitol to begin the 2017 Regular Session. Although the House and Senate are as old as Kentucky, this is only the ninth odd-year legislative session since our current state constitution was adopted in the late 1800s.
We actually were one of the last states to have its legislature meet annually. Now, there are just four that have not made the switch: Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas.

As the days got shorter and colder in this season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I found myself reflecting on how truly blessed we are to live in the United States of America. As we approach the Christmas holiday, I am grateful for the opportunity and freedom we have to celebrate the birth of a Savior and the reminder to spread peace, joy, love and goodwill toward those around us.

It is certainly no exaggeration to say that small businesses form the backbone of our state’s economy. That’s why it is so important that our elected leaders in Frankfort do everything possible to help these small businesses thrive in a 21st century environment.
Small businesses are a key driver of Kentucky’s economy, and the numbers tell the story. The Commonwealth is home to more than 341,000 small businesses that employ nearly 700,000 people throughout the state.

When it comes to the legislative process, most of the public’s attention is understandably focused on the first several months of the year, when the General Assembly is in session and new laws are adopted.

For more than a quarter-century now, Kentucky Youth Advocates has taken an in-depth look at the well being of the commonwealth’s children, giving us a valuable year-to-year comparison in such critical areas as health, education and economic security.

With only about two-and-a-half weeks left before Christmas, time is drawing short for those looking for the perfect gift or a holiday event to attend.
Fortunately, there is help available, beginning with the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Arts Council. The websites for both (Kentuckytourism.com and artscouncil.ky.gov) have collected long lists of available businesses and attractions that are doing their part to make the season special.

It may not have generated much publicity, but Kentucky’s economy hit a high-water mark in October, when our civilian labor force saw its biggest one-month gain in at least 40 years. It grew by almost 15,000 during those 31 days, putting us just shy of two million people who are either working or actively looking for a job.